Step 1. Build Your RSS Feed
There are a variety of desktop and web applications that make RSS feed creation easy. You can do it by hand but it is time consuming and prone to errors. A good desktop application such as FeedForAll includes wizards and context sensitive help making it easy to produce an RSS feed in a few minutes.
Step 2. Transfer Onto Your Server
Once you have finished constructing your RSS feed you will need to transfer it onto your server. You can do this with a standard FTP client or by using your feed creations software. Normal practice is to create an xml (XML stands for Extended Markup Language) file in your root directory, i.e. http://www.1stpagesolutions.com/rssfeed1.xml.
Step 3. Use a Graphic To Show You Have An RSS Feed Available On Your Website.
There is no global standard icon for showing that you have an RSS feed available but probably the most well know is:
A range of other graphics can be seen here.
Step 4. Include Code In Your Web Site So RSS Readers Automatically Find Your Feed
You can place a small snippet of code in the header area of your webpage so that RSS robots or aggregators automatically detect your RSS feed.The code looks like this
[link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="RSS" href="http://www.yourdomain.com/rss.xml"]
Step 5. Put A Page On Your Website Explaining RSS
Many of your web site visitors will not know about RSS feeds, so a page of explanation is vital. Fortunately there is a readymade page that you can use as the basis of your explanation. Find it here.
Step 6. Display the Feed’s Content on a Website
Your feed can be shown on your website or others by including a script on your webpage. Other websites may combine your feed with others to news service from several sources. Feedroll offer free solutions.
Step 7. Submit Your Feed to RSS Directories and Search Engines
To gain maximum exposure submit your feed to the many RSS directories and search engines. You can do this manually if you have the time or you can automate the submission using RSS Submit. An evaluation version is available. You can find a list of directories and search engines here.
RSS Service
Let us assess the benefits of adding an RSS feed to your website. We can offer a bespoke service to suite your needs, ranging from setting up the RSS feed to a fully inclusive service including broadcasting to RSS directories and directories. Just complete the form below to get the ball rolling.